I am SO ready for 2013!

2012 hasn't been awful, but 2011 and 2012 definitely had more bumps in the road than I ever could have predicted. They weren't exactly as I envisioned they would be... but, then, what year has been?

Our Christmas vacation was wonderful. We got some much needed time with my side of the family. I always know when we have a wonderful time because I don't have a TON of pictures. This means that I was so distracted with the family-wonderful-togetherness that I forgot all about pictures. But, here are some that I did capture....











We felt so blessed to have a white Christmas and Michael got to experience play-time in the snow (which he loved). He screamed every time Papa or Dada tried to bring him inside from playing. He loves being too cold over being too hot, so it only makes sense he loves playing in the snow.

I haven't laid out my New Year's Resolutions yet. I'm struggling a little bit, if I'm being honest. Every year starts out with so many expectations and high hopes and then December 31st rolls around and I tend to feel like I failed because I didn't "stick to the plan".

I think this year I'm making resolutions sweet and simple, and remembering to focus on what's important. After all, I don't want to start the New Year worrying about new recipes, cleaning the house, or keeping up with the world. I'd rather greet the New Year cuddling with my babies and focusing on how wonderfully blessed I am.

I have a roof over my head, food on my table, wonderful family, the sweetest pets, encouraging friends, and the love of Christ. How could I wish for more?

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you start the New Year in a way that's the best for you.

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for the winner of the Diana Meredith Designs giveaway! If you haven't entered yet, today's your last chance!

This is the best thing I made this season. Seriously. Clark ate so many he made himself sick. And I definitely couldn't resist "taste testing" a few before handing them out to friends.

So, if you're on a diet, or a chocolate-chip-cookie-dough-fiend... I wouldn't suggest making these... because you may end up eating them all.

Ingredients:

- 2.5 C flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 C butter at room temperature
- 3/4 C sugar
- 3/4 C brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/3 C milk (I used skim)
- 1 C mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
*As you will see in the pictures, I used the regular semi-sweet morsels and used the seasonal! It does make them a bit harder to make, and not as many chocolate chips in each truffle, but I wanted to be festive!*
- Package of candi-quick coating
*I do think dark chocolate works the best, but I could only find milk chocolate at our grocery store.*

Directions:

- Beat the butter and sugars together with a hand held or standing mixer. Add the vanilla and milk.
- Add your dry ingredients (flour and salt) and mix until well combined.
- Mix in your chocolate chips.

- Line a cookie sheet with wax paper. Roll as many cookie-dough balls as you can. Make them with about 1 tbsp each (although mine got bigger as the process went on).

- Put them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. When you're getting ready to take them out, prepare/melt your candy coating.

- Use a fork and drop each ball into the bowl with your candy coating and then remove them and return them to the wax paper. Repeat this process until they are all done. Let them set before moving them.

- Once you make them, these will stay in the fridge in an air-tight container for a good week. I found they were a HUGE hit to give away to friends!
*These had been sitting in the fridge for a couple days before I finally got to taking pictures-- and it was late at night, yet it still looks SO delicious!*

Don't forget to enter the Diana Meredith Designs giveaway going on until New Year's Eve!


Have a Happy Christmas Eve! Remember the reason for the season.


This recipe came from Love and Olive Oil.

I needed something to give to the grandparents this year without breaking the bank. Let's face it, if you have a big family you can't ALWAYS buy everyone something. That's not the reason for the season, and homemade gifts tend to have way more meaning.

So, to spoil the surprise, we made handprint ornaments with Michael's hand. This isn't the best one (pictured above), but the best one was finished after the pictures were taken.

These are easy and if your kids are older it's a fun activity to do together for the holidays (or any time of year, for that matter)!

"Ingredients":

- 1/2 C flour
- 1/2 C salt
- 1/4 C water

Paints for decorating
Paint brushes
String/Ribbon to hang it



Directions:

- Preheat your oven to 200.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
*Note: If you use wax paper, it will stick to the back of the ornaments to a degree. This is OK and easy to fix "loose strands". It makes the back of the ornament appear smoother!*
- Mix the dough until well combined/formed. Roll it out and press hand print into the dough. Cut around the hand in the same shape, or in a circle if you want to do it differently-- it's up to you!
- Make sure to put a hole in the dough for the string/ribbon. I used a skewer to make it, but I'm sure just about anything would work!
- Bake for around 3 hours and let sit for another half hour or so before painting. Give the paint time to dry in between colors/shapes. You don't want it running together! I'm no real artist, but I'm over all happy with my finished product!


What Christmas crafts do you like to do with you family or for gifts? Don't forget to check out the cinnamon applesauce ornaments as well!

Also, don't forget to enter the Diana Meredith Designs giveaway! Going on now until December 31st!

Hello again, Newfangled Housewife Readers!

I'm Diana and I guest-posted on Emily's blog back in November to show you some budget-friendly nursery art. Today I am here to offer a giveaway from my etsy shop; but first, I want to share a fun Christmas idea I found recently around the web and on pinterest.

 

This Christmas Tree Bread is a fun and delicious recipe from Capturing Joy with Kristen Duke. I made it last week to take to Andrew's work Christmas party, and it was a big hit. I didn't use maraschino cherries on mine because they aren't my favorite, but the bread was excellent without them. Cute, tasty, and festive!

If you want some more great ideas, follow my Christmas board on pinterest.

Now on to something even more fun. I am very excited to give away a $10 credit to my etsy shop, Diana Meredith Designs! In my shop, you'll find beautiful and unique crocheted gifts, including - to-go cup and ceramic mug cozies,
baby hats and headbands,
coaster sets, and ladies' headbands.
You can use your credit on existing merchandise, or toward a custom order of your own design. Click on over and take a look.

Here's how to enter:

1. Be a follower of the Newfangled Housewife or like the Newfangled Housewife Facebook page
2. Like Diana Meredith Designs Facebook page

How to add your name to the pot a few more times:

1. Follow Newfangled_Wife on Twitter
2. Follow Diana Meredith Designs with bloglovin'!
3. Follow Diana on Pinterest
4. Follow Newfangled Wife on Pinterest

Leave a comment on the post letting us know what all you did. This giveaway is open until New Year's Eve. We'll start 2013 off by announcing the winner! Good luck!

While I've made classic sugar cookies just about every year since I can remember, I thought I'd take on a new challenge this year. I was trying to figure out what to send my vegan bestie... and then I thought, why not try to make my favorite vegan-friendly?

These are easy to make, but the dough is a tad bit tricky to handle (aka crumbly). Just have patience and they will fall together!


Ingredients:
(Cookies)
- 1 C all purpose, unbleached flour
- 1/2 C Vegan "butter" (I used Earth Balance)
- 1/2 C sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 tsp unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp baking powder

Directions:

- Use a handheld or standing mixer to beat together your butter, sugar, and vanilla. Next add your flour and baking powder. Add the applesauce if you feel as though your mixture is a bit dry... but beware that it is going to be "crumbly" regardless.

- Refrigerate for around an hour
*This is optional, but the dough definitely does better if you let it cool down for a bit!*
- Preheat your oven to 350 and prepare your cookie sheet.
- Be patient when you are rolling out your dough (using plenty of extra flour and handling the dough really helps). You CAN make shapes-- just be patient!

- Bake your cookies for precisely 10 minutes. Let them sit on the cookie sheet for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cook.

While they are cooling...

Icing:

- 5 to 6 tbsp water
- 1 C powdered sugar

Just whisk these two ingredients together. It may appear super runny, but that's how it's suppose to be. Your going to dip your cookie, face down, into the icing and let it sit for a good time. Add sprinkles immediately after dipping if desired.


VOILA! Vegan sugar cookies. Simple and delicious.

This recipe was adapted from: Marcus Samulasson's Simple Vegan Sugar Cookies and Oh, Ladycakes' Sugar Cookies!

Perhaps you have a holiday party or two to attend this season, Newfangled readers?

I love helping plan outfits, and Emily asked me to virtually lend a hand for an "in-between" holiday look. Something to help you make it from Thanksgiving to Christmas with ease.

So let's build a fab ensemble meant for sipping and mingling the night away, shall we? Just not too late! Michael has a bedtime to keep. ;)

ON MAMA

TOP // MODCLOTH
The tunic top is a staple now! This easy shape is perfect for pairing with a statement necklace (which I'll get to in a minute), and for not worrying about that extra lovin' all the holiday goodies can add to the midsection. I don't know about you, but I have a permanent "food baby" this time of year! Navy looks clean and chic, and I love it as an alternative to black.

NECKLACES & BRACELET // http://www.etsy.com/shop/mintlilly
These agate necklaces make a statement, simply. A sweet icy blue bracelet brings something unexpected and earthy.

LEGGINGS // OLD NAVY
On to the bottoms ... At just $10 a pop, you can't afford to not have these babies in your closet. I think they make this look breezy, as opposed to structured, which is easy to fall into with a basic black trouser. Because I know that Emily and hubby Clark like to keep it casual, I say let the top be dressy, and allow total comfort on bottom! And yes, I'm asking you to trust me on pairing navy and black. When done correctly, it works. I promise!

FLATS // SOLE SOCIETY
If you'll be standing around while you chat, it's best to select a shoe that adds both glamour and comfort. I'm not a huge fan of boots at holiday parties, myself, but I think these embellished flats are just right.

FOR MICHAEL

SWEATER // OLD NAVY
Keep Baby Boy cute and cozy, in colors to complement Mama. I also love that this sweater is heavyweight cotton. I never put my babe in a fabric I wouldn't wear myself. (Wool? No, thank you!)

CORDUROYS // SHAUN WHITE FOR TARGET
I always like an alternative to denim or cargoes for little boys; I think these on-trend, fine wale corduroys are just the ticket.

BOOTS // TARGET
I love these boots so much that I wish they made them in my size, and I definitely want to snag a pair for my daughter Maile, even though they're made for boys. These beauties feature faux fur lining, and a thick, textured rubber sole. They look like Dr. Martens or Red Wings, without the hefty price tag.

BEAR // MEILINGER ZITA
Emily told me that Michael hasn't gotten attached to a "lovey" yet, and I thought this bear was so cute, I had to include him. Zita makes beautiful one-of-a-kind handmade rag dolls and bears, all from natural fabrics and felts.

Happy Holidays!


ANNNNND...

Congratulations to Kasey Conn, winner of the Simply Modern Designs giveaway! Contact Sara through her Facebook page to receive your fabulous prize.

Congratulations to Donna Earl, winner of the Team Fearless: Relay For Life giveaway. You donated a wonderful $10 towards an amazing cause, and it definitely helped you win the great giveaway! Serena will be contacting you to get your information!

I wasn't a big fan of gingerbread until Clark and I got married. It was never a tradition in my parents' home, and therefore I never developed a taste. Clark, however, loves everything that involves molasses and ginger, so I slowly but surely developed a taste for it over the years.

These are Michael approved, as well!

Ingredients:

- 1/3 C unpacked brown sugar
- 1/2 C molasses
- 1/3 C milk
- 1/3 C vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 C unbleached, all purpose flour
- 1 C whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves

Directions:

- Preheat oven to 400 and prepare your muffin pan.
- Whisk together your molasses, brown sugar, milk, oil, and egg.
- Add your dry ingredients until the mix is well combined.

- Use 1/4 C for each muffin, approximately. Makes 12 to 15 muffins, depending on how much you use for each one.

- Bake for 16 to 20 minutes. Let cool before devouring.


If you wanted to add a little icing, it would definitely spruce these up and pass them off as "cupcakes"... even if they aren't quite as light.

By the way, today is your last day to enter the Simply Modern Designs and Relay for Life giveaways... so DO IT!

This recipe was adapted from: The Sisters Cafe.

I've always been pretty awful at picking things out for Clark's stocking. Granted, Clark's super hard to shop for. One year I was so desperate I wrapped up a dozen pairs of socks in a box. I just didn't know what to get him!

I love stockings. Christmas morning it's the first thing we always did with the family, and it was just exciting. The first taste of what our Christmas morning was going to be like. If Mom wasn't done in the kitchen, we'd do stockings and then some breakfast (yummmmmy Cinnamon Rolls) and go back to presents. Just perfect.

So, stockings are a big deal to me. I've come up with the top ten stocking stuffers for men. Of course, if you don't have someone who's hard to shop for, then do what you do. But I think these are pretty much easy-staple-stocking-stuffers.

1. Favorite Cologne
I know this can fall under a perfect gift, not necessarily stocking stuffer. I just think it's nice for your hubby to get some smelly-goodness for Christmas. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to get his favorite cologne or your favorite smell. Sense of smell is one of the number one ties to memory... so if you feel like reminiscing to "older days", picking out a scent that reminds you of that is perfect.

2. "Beauty Products"
If you don't have a man who cares too much for his personal hygiene, this may not be the way to go. However, a nice face wash, hair gel, new razor and shaving cream, or something that makes your husband "feel pretty" is a nice thought. Attach a note to face wash, "So we can dance cheek-to-cheek", or his razor, "I love when your face is silky-smooth"... OK... cheesy... but I love cheesy.

3. Daily "Extras"
This means: phone case, wallet, money clip, key chain, gum, mints... things that he has with him on a regular basis or accessories to compliment them.

4. Trip down memory lane...
Miniature Army men, Swiss Army pocket knife, mini Nerf gun, race cars, cards, silly putty... things that will make him smile that he may have mentioned he loved as a kid.

5. Something Extra
Bottle opener, flask, mini bottles of his favorite drink, cigars, etc. A little something extra that he may not get on a regular basis, or something that he does that he may need more of.

6. Collector?
Perhaps your husband collects something (shot glasses, stamps, campaign buttons, ties, cufflinks)-- this is perfect. Never think it isn't thoughtful to add to his collection-- it is.

7. Socks, Boxers, Tees, oh my!
Like I said, I wrapped up a box of socks. I am not against slipping needs in with Christmas gifts. If your man has socks full of holes but refuses to part with them or get new ones (I speak from experience), slip some into that man's stocking! It could be a, "Haha very funny sweetie" moment or a, "I really did need some socks" type of deal!

8. Fast Food Gift Cards
If your man is working and always on the go, perhaps he'd enjoy a gift card to his favorite restaurant or coffee place. I would make a point to make Clark's lunch when he was working close to home, so getting fast food would really be a treat. Putting gift cards in there makes it easy and allows your man to feel spoiled!

9. Food
Favorite Candy, specialty sauce (mustard, salsa, spreads), beef jerky, sunflower seeds... this list could go on and on. You cannot tell me there isn't something that your man loves to munch on. Fill up his stocking with it!

10. Ooo-la-las
I don't think I need to completely elaborate on this one. Spice up your love life by giving him a sneak peak into something his future could hold, whether it be for you or for him. If there are prying eyes, use your imagination and make it suggestive rather than in-your-face-"ew"-gross-mommy-and-daddy-moment.

For more ideas check out The Life of Lulu Belle's list of 50 stocking stuffers for men!

Mint and chocolate are two of my favorite things. Just so you know, my site will definitely be featuring more than one minty dessert.

I made these for the first time last year and revisited the recipe before deciding to share. I wanted to make it positively perfect. To me, these are the ideal dessert. Enough to satisfy a chocolate craving, minty goodness, and rich enough to keep you from eating the whole batch! I hope you enjoy!

SUPPLIES:

- 1 C Butter or Margarine, softened
- 1 1/4 C Sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Tbsp Vanilla
- 2 C All Purpose, Unbleached Flour
- 2/3 C Cocoa Powder
- 3/4 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 to 2 C Nestle Dark Chocolate and Mint Chips


Directions:

-Preheat your oven to 350.
- Blend together the Butter/Margarine and Sugar in a large bowl. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each one. Add the vanilla, then set aside.
- In a smaller bowl, blend together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. Slowly add this mixture to the butter mixture until well blended. You may have to forgo your mixer and just use a wooden spoon or spatula. Add the salt.


- Mix in the chocolate/mint chips.
*Note: If you cannot find these, or don't like mint, regular semi-sweet chips work! You can also mix the semi-sweet chips with 3/4 tsp mint extract to achieve a similar taste!*

- Use a cookie scoop to put these on a prepared sheet. If you do not have a cookie scoop, I would suggest putting them in the fridge for an hour and using your hands to roll them into doughs (kind of like you would with peanut butter cookies-- then using a fork to "criss-cross" them).

- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Yes, I realize this is a wide range of time, but it really depends on your oven. At our old apartment they only took 11 minutes, whereas here they take around 15. If the edges are getting a little crispy, and a toothpick is coming out 95% clean, you are good to go!

Trust me when I say you need a glass of milk to go with these cookies! Hope you enjoy!

Don't forget to enter the Simply Modern Designs giveaway and the Relay for Life benefit/giveaway!

This giveaway is a bit special. First off, it's from my best friend from kindergarten. Yes, you read that correctly. Regardless of how many times I have moved over my lifetime, she and I have stayed in touch. Over the past couple of years we have grown to be amazingly close again, thanks to some fabulous visits.

(Summer 2012)

I'll let Serena handle the rest. It is, after all, her giveaway.


Hi, my name is Serena. I'm the captain of Team Fearless; a Relay for Life team with the Allegan County Lakeshore Relay for Life. For those of you who don't know what Relay for Life is, it's a 24 hour walk-a-thon put on by The American Cancer Society that raises money for cancer research and brings awareness to the disease. I want to say a big THANK YOU to The Newfangled Housewife for allowing Team Fearless to participate in her Christmas giveaway! We're really excited to give away some goodies and raise awareness of a great cause!

I first got involved with Relay for Life in 2009 because of my boyfriend at the time. This is the first time the Allegan County Lakeshore had their own Relay, and his family had started a team because both he and his aunt were cancer survivors. The event was really important to my boyfriend's mother but less so to my boyfriend; he was only two when he was diagnosed with cancer so luckily he didn't remember much of the experience. Because of that though, it was always difficult for him to talk about it and explain the scars on his chest and back from having a kidney removed; a nasty reminder that he in fact had cancer as a child. I went along to the event to be a supportive girlfriend, but I had no idea how much I would be changed by the experience!

Things did not begin to really "hit" me until the night time when they turned the stadium lights around the high school track off letting the darkness surround us. This was the start of the luminaria. One by one people lit candles that were placed in bags that lined the track. What is so special about a candle in a bag, you ask? Every one of the bags bore the name of an individual who fought or were fighting cancer.

There were enough bags sitting side by side to line the entire track.

We walked in silence to honor those who had their name on a bag. When I saw my boyfriend’s bag I was completely overcome with emotion; suddenly I understood why this event meant so much to his mother and family. Next to his bag was a grandmother’s name with angel wings; she had lost her fight with cancer. My boyfriend was blessed, he was a survivor, but countless others weren't so lucky. He made fun of me for getting so emotional over something he barely remembered, but I could not imagine my life without having known him. He was so much a part of me at that point, and I knew that not everyone got to be lucky like I had been; too many others had been taken far too soon.

My boyfriend’s luminary bag 2009

"Celebrate Remember Fight Back" is the motto for Relay for Life.

After my first Relay I knew that I had to fight back. At first for my boyfriend, who later became my ex boyfriend, and then ultimately for myself. Cancer doesn't discriminate. It affects every race, every gender, and every age. In some way, shape, or form every single one of us have been touched by cancer and that's why it is so important raise money and awareness to find a cure for this awful disease.

Being the crafty girls that we are, Team Fearless has come up with a wonderful Christmas giveaway package for The Newfangled Housewife readers! This includes three glass ornaments and 10 magnets, all hand decorated in honor of our cause.


To enter, we ask that you donate $1 to Team Fearless via our team page on the American Cancer Society web page here.

While it may seem minimal, every dollar raised helps a grandmother spend another Christmas with her family, or a little boy experience Santa Claus for the very first time. Together we can fight back and find a cure! Not only will our world be filled with more birthdays, but Christmases too!


Leave a comment letting us know that you donated. If you do not have a google account, please visit the Newfangled Housewife Facebook Page, like it, and leave a comment on the wall. A list of those who donate will be kept and then we will use random.org to select a winner. Your name will be entered for every $1 you donate. So, the more you donate, the more chances you have at winning! Thank you so much for stopping by and giving to an amazing cause. This giveaway will go until midnight of the 18th, and a winner will be announced later that day. Check back in then!

Don't forget to check out the other awesome giveaway from Simply Modern Designs going on now as well!

I have a confession. Sometimes the Christmas season stresses me out.

It's no one's fault but my own. I constantly put pressure on myself to do so much during the month of December. I want to watch all the best seasonal movies, make amazing goodies for friends and family, get the best presents for my closest friends and family, plan amazing things for Clark's birthday, go to church regularly, do a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child, give to the Salvation Army, volunteer where I can... all these things I put pressure on myself to do. All the while forgetting why I'm doing them.

Time and time again I've had to tell myself to slow down. To realize what's important, and where I'm putting unrealistic pressure. For example, I have to realize that I can't buy everyone what I know they really want, or the really thoughtful gift I thought of. Sometimes the simplest thing is to send them a card to let them know I'm thinking of them. And I can't make every single thing I want to bake (as hard as I may try), because the most important thing is to spend time with those who are near and dear to my heart, especially Michael and Clark. And I can't provide everything for everyone who is not as blessed as we are. As hard as I may try to volunteer, tithe, give, help... I can't make up for the fact that there will be children Christmas morning without gifts.

My favorite verse for Christmas is Luke 2:13-14. I especially like the King James Version, because I always hear Linus in "A Charlie Brown Christmas" saying it.

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

This is my favorite verse because it's how I envision Christmas every time I stop to think about what's really important. I imagine the heavenly host appearing in the skies singing to the world, and wondering how on earth so many could miss this glorious sight.

There was a multitude of heavenly host praising God, for all those present to see. Here we should be so humbled from this message, but still we focus on the tree and the gifts.

I have recently volunteered to be a Compassion blogger, and Clark and I are planning to sponsor a child come the new year as our monthly tithe. I am usually so against plug-ins with blogs, but I ask you to look into the information and think about those children that want nothing more than to know the good news and see the heavenly host. We are so amazingly blessed that we sometimes forget to stop and remember those who are struggling. I ask you to listen to the angels sing, and remember why we celebrate Christmas in the first place.

"And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,
Stood puzzling and puzzling: 'How could it be so?'
It came without ribbons! It came without tags!
It came without packages, boxes or bags!
And he puzzled three hours, 'till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store.
Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more!"

Christmas isn't about the presents or the tree, but about the love and true reason for the season. Help spread the word and the love this Christmas.




Linked up on:

Nothing like a muffin that has coffee in it already. I'm not saying skip your morning cup (or two, or three)... but these muffins will help give you just a tiny kick if you need it! Not to mention, they're delicious!

Ingredients:

- 2/3 C milk (I used skim)
- 5 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 tbsp instant coffee granules
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 C whole wheat flour
- 1 C all-purpose, unbleached flour
- 1/2 C sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/2 C semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

- Preheat your oven to 400 and prepare your muffin pan.
- Mix together your milk, butter, coffe, vanilla, and egg. Make sure the coffee is well blended.

- Next, mix together your dry ingredients (expect the chocolate chips). Make a well in the center of them.

- Pour your butter mix into the middle of your flour mix. Stir until well blended, then add your chocolate chips.

- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a tooth pick comes out clean (no uncooked muffin sticking to it).

Enjoy! As you can see, I still had my morning cup of coffee... and in my new seasonal mug, no less.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway from Simply Modern Designs! It only goes until December 15th, so hurry, hurry!


This recipe was modified from: MyRecipes.com

Congratulations Rachel Z., winner of the Atkinson Drive giveaway! You have received a free item [worth up to $10] from Sam's amazing etsy shop. Please contact her through her Facebook page so she can give you the information for your fabulous prize! For the rest of you, don't forget to use the HOUSEWIFECHRISTMAS code to get 10% off your purchase in Sam's shop through December 17th.

ANNNNND....

Congratulations Serena M., winner of the free pair of earrings from Exquisite Crafts! Please send April a direct message through her Facebook page to let her know what earrings you desire! For the rest of you, don't forget to use the code HOLIDAY12 for a 12% discount good through December 31st!

Now, for the NEXT giveaway.

Yeah, you read that right.

This one comes from Sara at Simply Modern Designs. Sarah is giving the lucky winner a $5 credit to her etsy shop! Sarah has a variety of things from adorable Christmas cards....


to birth announcements...

to wedding save-the-dates and invitations...


to SO MUCH MORE! Check it all out on her Etsy shop.

Sara started her shop after getting engaged and going into do-it-yourself bride mode. She majored in graphic design but didn't return to her passion until she and the love of her life started planning their happily ever after. Not only does Sara make the printables she offers in her shop, but she'll take custom orders, too!

Here's what you have to do....

1. Be a follower of The Newfangled Housewife's blog
2. Like Sara's Facebook page

That's it! If you'd like some extras, you can:

1. Follow Sara on twitter
2. Follow Newfangled Housewife on twitter
3. Like The Newfangled Housewife's Facebook page
4. Tweet about the giveaway (@Newfangled_Wife and @ModernDesignx)
5. Facebook about the giveaway


This giveaway only goes until midnight of the 15th, so MAKE SURE YOU DON'T WASTE ANY TIME!

Leave a comment with all you've done! Good luck!